Is Russell Wilson really that important to the Seahawks?

As football pundits around the nation continue to discuss Russell Wilson’s contract negotiations with the Seattle Seahawks, all kinds of opinions are materializing.

“Do the Hawks really need Wilson?” “Is he really an elite quarterback?” “Does he really deserve the same kind of money as Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers?”

We’ve heard it all — the skepticism and the optimism, the praise and the disapproval. So we wanted to take a closer look at the more common critiques of Wilson and his game as the fourth-year quarterback heads into the final year of his rookie contract.

Is Wilson really deserving of a blockbuster deal? Check out our gallery below.

<p><b>Criticism: He's too short</b></p>
<p>Seriously, there are still people saying this. As the narrative goes, Russell Wilson's 5-foot-10ish frame prevents him from adequately seeing over the big uglies and finding open passing lanes. </p> less

<p><b>Criticism: He's too short</b></p>
<p>Seriously, there are still people saying this. As the narrative goes, Russell Wilson's 5-foot-10ish frame prevents him from adequately seeing over the big uglies and ... more

Photo: Jordan Stead / seattlepi.com

Image 2 of 15

<p><b>Counter: Hasn't this died yet?</b></p>
<p>Wilson has proven in three years -- including two Super Bowl appearances -- that his shorter stature is not a limiting factor. In fact, he uses his size to his advantage by squirting through small windows and escaping tacklers with his quick feet.</p> less

<p><b>Counter: Hasn't this died yet?</b></p>
<p>Wilson has proven in three years -- including two Super Bowl appearances -- that his shorter stature is not a limiting factor. In fact, he uses his size to his ... more

Photo: Joshua Trujillo / seattlepi.com

Image 3 of 15

<p><b>Criticism: Seattle's offense is run-first</b></p>
<p>The Seahawks aren't a passing team, so they don't necessarily need to spend tons of money on a passer -- or so the detractors say. Ranked 27th out of 32 in passing yards, Seattle could easily plug in another quarterback.</p> less

<p><b>Criticism: Seattle's offense is run-first</b></p>
<p>The Seahawks aren't a passing team, so they don't necessarily need to spend tons of money on a passer -- or so the detractors say. Ranked 27th out ... more

Photo: Timothy A. Clary / AFP/Getty Images

Image 4 of 15

<p><b>Counter: Wilson is a big part of that</b></p>
<p>Wilson's skeptics often overlook the fact he rushed for 849 yards in the 2014 regular season -- good enough to rank 17th among all NFL players last season. With Wilson and Marshawn Lynch (1,306 rush yards) carrying the ball, the Seahawks led the league with 2,762 yards on the ground.</p> less

<p><b>Counter: Wilson is a big part of that</b></p>
<p>Wilson's skeptics often overlook the fact he rushed for 849 yards in the 2014 regular season -- good enough to rank 17th among all NFL players last ... more

Photo: Jordan Stead / seattlepi.com

Image 5 of 15

Image 6 of 15

<p><b>Criticism: The defense carries him</b></p>
<p>The Seahawks have been all about running and defense -- passing is a distant third. Without Wilson under center, Seattle would be just about the same thanks to Lynch and the Legion of Boom. After all, defense wins championships, as they say.</p> less

<p><b>Criticism: The defense carries him</b></p>
<p>The Seahawks have been all about running and defense -- passing is a distant third. Without Wilson under center, Seattle would be just about the same thanks ... more

Photo: Mat Hayward / Getty Images

Image 7 of 15

<p><b>Counter: Wilson keeps the defense fresh</b></p>
<p>Wilson threw just seven interceptions in the 2014 regular season. By avoiding turnovers, he has helped the Seahawks' defense rest up and prepare for the next series. And while he did commit 11 fumbles, he lost none of them, according to NFL.com.</p> less

<p><b>Counter: Wilson keeps the defense fresh</b></p>
<p>Wilson threw just seven interceptions in the 2014 regular season. By avoiding turnovers, he has helped the Seahawks' defense rest up and prepare for ... more

Photo: Jordan Stead / seattlepi.com

Image 8 of 15

<p><b>Criticism: The offensive line bails him out</b></p>
<p>A team with 2,762 rushing yards, by default, has a good offensive line. So Wilson had plenty of protection -- plenty time for his short, little self to find open passing lanes. Right?</p> less

<p><b>Criticism: The offensive line bails him out</b></p>
<p>A team with 2,762 rushing yards, by default, has a good offensive line. So Wilson had plenty of protection -- plenty time for his short, little ... more

Photo: Elsa / Getty Images

Image 9 of 15

<p><b>Counter: Wilson is why the O-line was adequate</b></p>
<p>Wrong. The skeptics who say Wilson had plenty of protection ... did they even watch the Seahawks in 2014? Wilson ran all over the backfield last season; it was a wonder he only got sacked 42 times (fifth-most in the league). Wilson is the only reason Seattle got away with fielding a subpar offensive line.</p> less

<p><b>Counter: Wilson is why the O-line was adequate</b></p>
<p>Wrong. The skeptics who say Wilson had plenty of protection ... did they even watch the Seahawks in 2014? Wilson ran all over the backfield last ... more

Photo: Aaron Ontiveroz / Denver Post via Getty Images

Image 10 of 15

Image 11 of 15

<p><b>Criticism: Wilson doesn't have the numbers</b></p>
<p>Ben Roethlisberger: 4,952 pass yards. Drew Brees: 4,952. Andrew Luck: 4,761. Peyton Manning: 4,727. Russell Wilson? A mere 3,475. Does he really deserve big money like the other guys? And he threw for only 20 touchdowns.</p> less

<p><b>Counter: Wilson didn't need the numbers</b></p>
<p>Yes, it's true, the Seahawks are a run-first team -- and indeed, Wilson has been a big part of that. But when did go through the air in 2014, he was just as dangerous, averaging 12.2 yards per pass. His 1.5 percent interception rate tied for fourth in the league.</p> less

<p><b>Counter: Wilson didn't need the numbers</b></p>
<p>Yes, it's true, the Seahawks are a run-first team -- and indeed, Wilson has been a big part of that. But when did go through the air in 2014, he was ... more

Photo: Uncredited / Getty Images

Image 13 of 15

<p><b>Criticism: He doesn't have that 'wow' factor</b></p>
<p>He doesn't put up yards like Rothlisberger, Brees, Luck and Manning. Wilson threw for only 20 TDs, attempted only 28 passes per outing and averaged just 217.2 pass yards per game. And did you see his four interceptions in the NFC championship game?</p> less

<p><b>Criticism: He doesn't have that 'wow' factor</b></p>
<p>He doesn't put up yards like Rothlisberger, Brees, Luck and Manning. Wilson threw for only 20 TDs, attempted only 28 passes per outing and ... more

Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

Image 14 of 15

<p><b>Counter: Are you freakin' kidding?</b></p>
<p>What? Last season, Wilson had to scramble all over the place, and put together some superhuman plays. He led the NFL with five game-winning drives, including two fourth-quarter comebacks. Did you see him singlehandedly win the NFC championship game?</p>
<p>Bah. We're done here.</p> less

<p><b>Counter: Are you freakin' kidding?</b></p>
<p>What? Last season, Wilson had to scramble all over the place, and put together some superhuman plays. He led the NFL with five game-winning drives, ... more